I agree with the premise but yeah toribash has always had a 'friend circle first' mentality when it comes to recognizing people or clans. This dates back all the way since the beginning. If you or your clan has ever annoyed the powers that be, you're basically disqualified from getting nice things.(Unless you beg or depreciate yourself - I've seen this happen many times) The only way to survive in these conditions is to shut up and accept or join and dish out. I've seen new players that bully others get further in this game than old school players who care, provided that those in charge approve of said bullying etc. The word "fair" and "toribash community" just don't go together. I guess I'm stirring the tea right now but I've always been in the rejected category so I'm just speaking from experience. Additionally, association is taken into account too - if your clan is friendly with clan x, clan y & clan z and visa versa, guess what? That association sticks. Some clans even exist and were created as a safe guard away from the petty clique dominated social environment. These associations themselves are hated because clans that stick together against the ruling clique are seen as a problem.
It's sad that so many people have given so much to this game and half of them just left feeling empty. I could write a book with regard to Toribash' history and active times vs inactive times and I could point out what worked and what didn't from an objective perspective but I don't see the point. I'm close to giving up on this game just like the thousands before me. I'm sure there are those that are going to tell me I'm wrong but I couldn't care less. I'm just telling you what I saw in the last 14 years of this games existence, and I've seen a lot. I feel like toribash is treated as dead at the moment or rather a beta version of TBN. This forum feels like a beta forum - the urgency is gone, the care for the growth of the community is gone etc. However, I must give praise to some of the event squad members. Their enthusiasm and work ethic in game has been really impressive recently. I may come off as an asshole but I really just care for this game, take what I say with a pinch of salt.
Now onto possible solutions...well, there aren't that many for reasons I can't mention. The only way is for the community to stop relying so much on those in charge. Recognize each other more than waiting for those above you to recognize you. Create community events and groups etc. Then when those above come around to snatch the community leaders either allow it but keep your values and bring in more of those community leaders or deny it and stay on your own paths. There was a time when the community worked together to resolve things, it's changed and now the community have forgotten how much power they have and how the game and it's community is actually in their hands.
Here's an example of something that community/clans can come up with to recognize each other.
Toribash Unofficial Community Legend Awards
These awards are given to the respectable achievers within the community based off the entry requirements below:
Clans:
- 10 Year Service Recognition
- etc..
Players:
-
-
The above is an example of what the community could do, using static requirements to avoid any preferential treatment (vagueness = bad ) and to recognize each other. No begging or depreciation of oneself or clan required. Just know that the power hungry and control freaks above won't be happy with the community taking these actions by themselves and you will most likely be met with resistance and ridicule.
I could go on for days like I said but that's just my perceptive after being around all these years. I would hope something like this would be formalized with requirements but as it stands the people who make these decisions, don't really make them for people who aren't their friends.
Good luck though, also I would be happy to debate anyone who feels they need to disprove what I've said here.